Image processing apparatus capable of using replacement component, image forming apparatus capable of using replacement component, and method of administrating replacement component

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus is capable of using a replacement component. The image processing apparatus includes a storage unit for storing self apparatus identification information; an obtaining unit for obtaining component apparatus identification information registered in a data carrier disposed in the replacement component; and a control unit. The control unit includes a first comparing unit for comparing the self apparatus identification information stored in the storage unit with the component apparatus identification information obtained with the obtaining unit; a determining unit for determining that the replacement component is allowed to use when the self apparatus identification information matches the component apparatus identification information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an imageforming apparatus, and a method of administrating or using a replacementcomponent.

In a conventional image forming apparatus such as a printer, afacsimile, a copier, and an MFP (a multi function peripheral orproduct), a replacement component (or a replacement unit) such as a drumcartridge, a toner cartridge, and the like is detachably attached to amain body of the conventional image forming apparatus or an apparatusmain body thereof.

In general, a manufacture of an image forming apparatus designs aconfiguration of the image forming apparatus assuming that a replacementcomponent attached to the image forming apparatus is an authenticcomponent or a certified component. Accordingly, when a counterfeitcomponent or a modified component is attached to the image formingapparatus, there may be a risk of deteriorating an image or malfunction.To this end, there has been proposed a conventional technology, in whicha tag or a memory indicating authenticity is disposed in the replacementcomponent, so that a counterfeit component or a modified component isnot allowed to attach to the image forming apparatus (refer to PatentReference).

Patent Reference: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-292992

In the conventional technology, when a plurality of image formingapparatus is the same type, it is possible to attach a replacementcomponent to all of the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, it isdifficult to administer a usage frequency of the replacement componentper each image forming apparatus.

In view of the problems described above, an object of the presentinvention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image formingapparatus, and a method of administrating or using a replacementcomponent capable of solving the problems of the conventionaltechnology. In the present invention, it is possible to allow thereplacement component to be used only in a designated image formingapparatus even when a plurality of image forming apparatus is the sametype.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe following description of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to attain the objects described above, according to a firstaspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus iscapable of using a replacement component.

The image processing apparatus includes a storage unit for storing selfapparatus identification information; an obtaining unit for obtainingcomponent apparatus identification information registered in a datacarrier disposed in the replacement component; and a control unit. Thecontrol unit includes a first comparing unit for comparing the selfapparatus identification information stored in the storage unit with thecomponent apparatus identification information obtained with theobtaining unit; and a determining unit for determining that thereplacement component is allowed to use when the self apparatusidentification information matches the component apparatusidentification information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image formingapparatus includes the image processing apparatus described above andthe replacement component. Further, the image forming apparatus includesan image forming unit for forming an image on a medium when thedetermining unit determines that the replacement component is allowed touse.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method ofadministrating or using a replacement component of an image processingapparatus is to be executed with a control unit of the image processingapparatus capable of using the replacement component. The methodincludes the steps of storing self apparatus identification informationin a storage unit; obtaining component apparatus identificationinformation registered in a data carrier disposed in the replacementcomponent using an obtaining unit; comparing the self apparatusidentification information stored in the storage unit with the componentapparatus identification information obtained with the obtaining unit;and determining that the replacement component is allowed to use whenthe self apparatus identification information matches the componentapparatus identification information.

In the present invention, it is possible to allow the replacementcomponent to be used only in a designated image forming apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view a configuration of an image formingapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of an imageforming unit of the image forming apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an operation panelof the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functional components of the imageforming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a data configuration of an RFID tagof the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a data configuration of the imageforming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an operation of the image formingapparatus when a replacement component is attached to the image formingapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an operation of the image formingapparatus when an administrator ID is registered in the replacementcomponent according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing functional components of an imageforming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a data configuration of the imageforming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an operation of the image formingapparatus when a replacement component is attached to the image formingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing functional components of an imageforming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a data configuration of the imageforming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a data configuration of an RFID tagof the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an operation of the image formingapparatus when a replacement component is attached to the image formingapparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a modified example of thereplacement component according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereunder, embodiments of the present invention will be explained withreference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 1 isa schematic sectional view a configuration of an image forming apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is aschematic sectional view showing a configuration of an image formingunit 6 of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodimentof the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing aconfiguration of an operation panel 12 of the image forming apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, a configuration of a printer 1 as the image forming apparatuswill be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 1,the printer 1 as the image forming apparatus includes an image formingunit 6; a fixing unit 7; a transportation mechanism (a sheet supplyroller 3, transportation rollers 4 and 5, and discharge rollers 8 and9); an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader writer 11; anoperation panel 12; a storage unit 13; a sensor 14; and a control unit100.

In the embodiment, the printer 1 further includes a sheet supplycassette 2 for storing a medium P1 such as a printing sheet and thelike. The sheet supply roller 3 is provided for picking up the medium P1from the sheet supply cassette 2 one by one. The transportation rollers4 and 5 are provided for supplying the medium P1 picked up from thesheet supply roller 3 to the image forming unit 6.

In the embodiment, the image forming unit 6 is provided for forming animage on the medium P1. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 6includes an image drum cartridge 6 a as a replacement component (or areplacement unit).

Next, a configuration of the image forming unit 6 will be explained withreference to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 6 isformed of the image drum cartridge 6 a; an LED (Light Emitting Diode)head 6 k, and a transfer drum 6 h.

In the embodiment, as an example of the replacement component, the imagedrum cartridge 6 a is explained, and the replacement component is notlimited to the image drum cartridge 6 a. The present invention isapplicable to other replacement components (a modified example of thereplacement component will be explained later).

In the embodiment, the image drum cartridge 6 a as the replacementcomponent is formed of a toner storage portion 6 c for retaining toner;a printing drum (photosensitive drum) 6 d for forming a static latentimage with the LED head 6 k; a developing roller 6 e for visualizing thestatic latent image as a toner image on the printing drum 6 d; a supplyroller 6 f for supplying toner retained in the toner storage portion 6 cto the developing roller 6 e; and a charging roller 6 g for charging theprinting drum 6 d.

Further, the image drum cartridge 6 a includes a developing blade 6 ifor forming a thin layer of toner supplied to the developing roller 6 e;and a cleaning blade 6 j for scraping off toner not transferred andremaining on the printing drum 6 d to collect toner.

In the embodiment, the image drum cartridge 6 a as the replacementcomponent is further provided with an RFID (Radio FrequencyIdentification) tag 6 d as a data carrier. The RFID tag 6 b is providedfor storing various types of information of the image drum cartridge 6a. The RFID tag 6 b is formed of, for example, a control circuit, amemory circuit, an antenna, and the like (not shown).

In the embodiment, the LED head 6 k is formed of a plurality of LEDsarranged linearly. The LEDs selectively emit light according to aprinting pattern, so that the LED head 6 k exposes a surface of theprinting drum 6 d, thereby forming the static latent image thereon. Thetransfer drum 6 h is provided for transferring the toner image formed onthe printing drum (the photosensitive drum) 6 d to the medium P1.

In the embodiment, the printing drum (the photosensitive drum) 6 d, thedeveloping roller 6 f, the supply roller 6 f, the charging roller 6 gand the transfer drum 6 h are arranged to rotate in arrow directionsshown in FIG. 2, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing unit 7 includes a heating roller 7 a anda fixing roller 7 b arranged to face each other, so that the fixing unit7 heats and presses the toner image transferred to the medium P1,thereby fixing the toner image to the medium P1. The discharge rollers 8and 9 are provided for discharging the medium P1 to a discharge tray 10after the fixing unit 7 fixes the toner image to the medium P1.

In the embodiment, the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) read writer11 is provided as an obtaining unit for reading information stored inthe RFID tag 6 b (refer to FIG. 2) disposed in the image drum cartridge6 a (refer to FIG. 2), and for writing information into the RFID tag 6b. The RFID reader writer 11 is formed of, for example, a controlcircuit, an antenna, and the like (not shown).

In the embodiment, the operation panel 12 is provided as an input unitfor displaying a status of the printer 1 and inputting various settings.FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the operationpanel 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 12 includes a displayportion 12 a formed of an LCD panel for displaying a status of theprinter 1 and the like. Further, the operation panel 12 includes anoperation button 12 b for inputting various settings of the printer 1,an administrator ID (described later), and the like.

In the embodiment, the storage unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of anon-volatile memory and the like. The storage unit 13 is provided forstoring, for example, a control program executed with the control unit100, printing data, various types of information of the printer 1, andthe like.

In the embodiment, the sensor 14 is provided for detecting whether theimage drum cartridge 6 a as the replacement component is attached to theprinter 1. More specifically, the sensor 14 detects the image drumcartridge 6 a through, for example, a mechanical response thereof.

In the embodiment, the control unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 is formed of amicroprocessor, a peripheral circuit, and the like (not shown). In thecontrol unit 100, the micro processor executes the control programstored in the storage unit 13, so that the control unit 100 realizesvarious functions for controlling the printer 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functional components of the imageforming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a data configuration ofthe RFID tag 6 b of the image forming apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showinga data configuration of the image forming apparatus according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the data configurations of the RFID tag 6b and the storage unit 13 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5and 6. Then, functions of the printer 1 as the image forming apparatuswill be explained with reference to FIG. 4. The components explainedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated with the same referencenumerals.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the data configuration of the RFIDtag 6 b. As shown in FIG. 5, the RFID tag 6 b includes a statusinformation column 18 a for storing status information of the image drumcartridge 6 a (refer to FIG. 2).

More specifically, when the status information of the image drumcartridge 6 a is “00” in the status information column 18 a, it isindicated that the image drum cartridge 6 a is a brand-new one, and isnot attached to the printer 1. When the status information of the imagedrum cartridge 6 a is “10” in the status information column 18 a, it isindicated that the image drum cartridge 6 a is attached to the printer 1once, but the administration ID thereof is not registered. When thestatus information of the image drum cartridge 6 a is “11” in the statusinformation column 18 a, it is indicated that the image drum cartridge 6a is attached to the printer 1 once, and the administration ID thereofis registered.

In the embodiment, when the image drum cartridge 6 a is a brand-new one,a manufacturer thereof sets the value “00” in the status informationcolumn 18 a. In the following description, it is supposed that themanufacturer of the image drum cartridge 6 a sets the value “00” in thestatus information column 18 a during a manufacturing process, anddelivers the image drum cartridge 6 a.

As shown in FIG. 5, the RFID tag 6 b further includes a unit numbercolumn 18 b for storing a unit number unique to each image drumcartridge 6 a. More specifically, the manufacturer of the image drumcartridge 6 a may set a serial number assigned to the image drumcartridge 6 a in the manufacturing process as the unit number in theunit number column 18 b. The RFID tag 6 b further includes an apparatusnumber column 18 c for storing an apparatus number of the printer 1.When the image drum cartridge 6 a is attached to the printer 1 for thefirst time, the apparatus number is stored in the apparatus numbercolumn 18 c as component apparatus identification information unique tothe printer 1. The apparatus number stored in the apparatus numbercolumn 18 c has a data format the same as that of an apparatus numberstored in the storage unit 13 (described later).

In the embodiment, the RFID tag 6 b further includes an administrator IDcolumn 18 d for storing the administrator ID as component administratoridentification information unique to each administrator. Morespecifically, an arbitrary number such as an employee number may be setas the administrator ID in the administrator ID column 18 d.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the data configuration of the storageunit 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage unit 13 includes an apparatusnumber column 19 a for storing the apparatus number as self apparatusidentification information unique to each image forming apparatus. Morespecifically, a manufacturer of the printer 1 may set a serial numberassigned to the printer 1 in a manufacturing process as the apparatusnumber in the apparatus number column 19 a.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functional components of the printer 1as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the printer 1 includes an imageprocessing apparatus 1A, so that the image processing apparatus 1Arealizes each of specific functions. When the microprocessor of thecontrol unit 100 (not shown) executes the control programs stored in thestorage unit 13, functions of units disposed in the control unit 100 arerealized.

In the following description, the units of the control unit 100 will beexplained in detail in cases that the image drum cartridge 6 a as thereplacement component is attached to the printer 1 as the image formingapparatus according to the first embodiment, and that the administrationID is registered in the image drum cartridge 6 a as the replacementcomponent through the printer 1 as the image forming apparatus accordingto the first embodiment.

In the embodiment, the control unit 100 includes an RFID control unit111. In the case that the image drum cartridge 6 a as the replacementcomponent is attached to the printer 1 as the image forming apparatusaccording to the first embodiment, the RFID control unit 111 writes datain the RFID tag 6 b through the RFID reader writer 11. Morespecifically, when the image drum cartridge 6 a is a brand-new one, andis not attached to the printer 1, the RFID control unit 111 writes theapparatus number stored in the storage unit 13 (in the apparatus numbercolumn 19 a) in the apparatus number column 18 c of the RFID tag 6 b,and writes “10” in the status information column 18 a of the RFID tag 6b through the RFID reader writer 11.

Further, the RFID control unit 111 reads the data stored in the RFID tag6 b (refer to FIG. 5) through the RFID reader writer 11, and transmitsthe data thus read to each of the units. More specifically, the controlunit 100 includes a determining unit 116. When the image drum cartridge6 a as the replacement component is attached, the RFID control unit 111reads the data stored in the RFID tag 6 b immediately, and transmits thestatus information (in the status information column 18 a) to thedetermining unit 116.

In the embodiment, the control unit 100 includes a first comparison unit113 and a second comparison unit 114. When the RFID control unit 111determines whether the apparatus number is identical, the RFID controlunit 111 transmits the apparatus number (in the apparatus number column18 c) to the first comparison unit 113. When the RFID control unit 111determines whether the administrator is identical, the RFID control unit111 transmits the administrator ID (in the administrator ID column 18 d)to the second comparison unit 114.

In the embodiment, the control unit 100 includes an operation controlunit 112 for transmitting information input by an operator through theoperation panel 12 to each unit. Further, the operation control unit 112is provided for displaying various types of information on the operationpanel 12. More specifically, when the operation control unit 112receives a notification that a printing operation cannot be performedfrom the determining unit 116, the operation control unit 112 displaysthat the printing operation cannot be performed on the operation panel12 a (refer to FIG. 3). Further, when it is determined whether theadministrator is identical, the operation control unit 112 displays ascreen for prompting an input of the administrator ID as the selfapparatus identification information on the operation panel 12 a, andtransmits the administrator ID thus input to the second comparison unit114.

In the embodiment, the control unit 100 includes a print control unit117. When the operator inputs information related to the print settingand the like, the RFID control unit 111 transmits the information thusinput to the print control unit 117.

In the embodiment, the first comparison unit 113 is provided fordetermining whether the image drum cartridge 6 a as the replacementcomponent is attached again to the image forming apparatus to which theimage drum cartridge 6 a was attached before. More specifically, thefirst comparison unit 113 is provided for comparing the apparatus numberstored in the RFID tag 6 b (in the apparatus number column 18 c)received from the RFID control unit 111 with the apparatus number storedin the storage unit 13 (in the apparatus number column 19 a). Then, thefirst comparison unit 113 transmits a comparison result to thedetermining unit 116.

In the embodiment, the second comparison unit 114 is provided fordetermining whether the administrator is identical. More specifically,the second comparison unit 114 is provided for comparing theadministrator ID stored in the RFID tag 6 b (in the administrator IDcolumn 18 d) received from the RFID control unit 111 with theadministrator ID received from the operation control unit 112. Then, thesecond comparison unit 114 transmits a comparison result to thedetermining unit 116.

In the embodiment, the determining unit 116 is provided for determiningwhether the print control unit 117 is allowed to perform a printingoperation according to the status information of the image drumcartridge 6 a as the replacement component, the comparison result of thefirst comparison unit 113, and the comparison result of the secondcomparison unit 114. Then, the determining unit 116 transmits adetermination result to the print control unit 117 and the operationcontrol unit 112.

More specifically, when the status information stored in the RFID tag 6b (in the status information column 18 a) received from the RFID controlunit 111 is “00”, that is, the image drum cartridge 6 a is a brand-newone and is not attached to the printer 1, the determining unit 116allows the print control unit 117 to perform the printing operation.Further, when the status information (in the status information column18 a) is “10” or “11”, and the comparison result received from the firstcomparison unit 113 is matched, the determining unit 116 allows theprint control unit 117 to perform the printing operation. Further, whenthe status information (in the status information column 18 a) is “11”,and the comparison result received from the second comparison unit 114is matched, the determining unit 116 allows the print control unit 117to perform the printing operation. Otherwise, the determining unit 116does not allow the print control unit 117 to perform the printingoperation.

In the case that the administration ID is registered in the image drumcartridge 6 a as the replacement component through the printer 1 as theimage forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, when theadministration ID is registered, the RFID control unit 111 reads thedata stored in the RFID tag 6 b through the RFID reader writer 11, andtransmits the apparatus status (in the status information column 18 a)to the determining unit 116. Further, the RFID control unit 111 writesthe administration ID input through the operation panel 12 in theadministrator ID column 18 d of the RFID tag 6 b through the RFID readerwriter 11.

In the embodiment, the operation control unit 112 is provided fordisplaying the screen for prompting the input of the administrator ID onthe operation panel 12 a, and transmits the administrator ID inputthrough the operation panel 12 to the RFID control unit 111.

In the embodiment, the determining unit 116 is provided for determiningwhether the administrator ID can be written in the administrator IDcolumn 18 d of the RFID tag 6 b according to the status information ofthe image drum cartridge 6 a. Then, the determining unit 116 transmits adetermination result to the operation control unit 112 and the RFIDcontrol unit 111. More specifically, when the status information storedin the RFID tag 6 b (in the status information column 18 a) receivedfrom the RFID control unit 111 is “10” (the administrator ID is notregistered), the determining unit 116 allows the administrator ID to bewritten in the RFID tag 6 b. When the status information is “11” (theadministrator ID is already registered), the determining unit 116 doesnot allow the administrator ID to be written in the RFID tag 6 b.

The printing operation of the printer 1 as the image forming apparatusaccording to the first embodiment will be explained next with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 4. When the printer 1 receives image forming informationfrom a host PC 900 (refer to FIG. 4), the print control unit 117 drivesthe sheet supply roller 3 to pick up the medium P1 from the sheet supplycassette 2, and drives the transportation rollers 4 and 5 to transportthe medium P1 to the image forming unit 6.

In the next step, the print control unit 117 controls the image formingunit 6 to transfer the toner image to the medium P1, and transports themedium P1 with the toner image transferred thereon to the fixing unit 7.In the next step, the print control unit 117 controls the fixing unit 7to fix the toner image to the medium P1 with the heating roller 7 a andthe fixing roller 7 b. In the next step, the print control unit 117drives the discharge rollers 8 and 9 to discharge the medium P1 on thedischarge tray 10. Through the steps described above, the printingoperation is complete.

An operation of the printer 1 when the replacement component is attachedto the printer 1 will be explained next with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7is a flow chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatuswhen the replacement component is attached to the image formingapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment, when the operator attaches the image drum cartridge 6a as the replacement component to the printer 1, the sensor 14 detectsthat the image drum cartridge 6 a is attached to the printer 1, and theimage processing apparatus 1A starts an operation as follows.

In step S1, the RFID control unit 111 reads the status informationstored in the RFID tag 6 b (in the status information column 18 a)through the RFID reader writer 11, and transmits the status informationto the determining unit 116. In step S2, the determining unit 116determines whether the status information stored in the RFID tag 6 b (inthe status information column 18 a) received from the RFID control unit111 is “00”, that is, the image drum cartridge 6 a is a brand-new oneand is not attached to the printer 1. When the determining unit 116determines that the image drum cartridge 6 a is a brand-new one, theprocess proceeds to step S3. When the determining unit 116 determinesthat the image drum cartridge 6 a is not a brand-new one, the processproceeds to step S4.

In step S3, when the determining unit 116 determines that the image drumcartridge 6 a is a brand-new one (step S2, Yes), the RFID control unit111 writes the apparatus number stored in the storage unit 13 (in theapparatus number column 19 a) in the apparatus number column 18 c of theRFID tag 6 b. Further, the RFID control unit 111 writes “10” in thestatus information column 18 a of the RFID tag 6 b. Then the processproceeds to step S13.

In step S4, when the determining unit 116 determines that the image drumcartridge 6 a is not a brand-new one (step S2, No), the RFID controlunit 111 reads the apparatus number stored in the RFID tag 6 b (in theapparatus number column 18 c) through the RFID reader writer 11, andtransmits the apparatus number to the first comparison unit 113. In stepS5, the first comparison unit 113 compares the apparatus number (in theapparatus number column 18 c) received from the RFID control unit 111 instep S4 with the apparatus number stored in the storage unit 13 (in theapparatus number column 19 a). Then, the first comparison unit 113transmits the comparison result to the determining unit 116. When thedetermining unit 116 determines that the comparison result is matched,the process proceeds to step S13. When the determining unit 116determines that the comparison result is not matched, the processproceeds to step S6.

In step S6, when the determining unit 116 determines that the comparisonresult is not matched (step S5, No), the determining unit 116 notifiesthe print control unit 117 not to perform the printing operation.Further, the determining unit 116 notifies the operation control unit112 that the printing operation cannot be performed. Accordingly, theoperation control unit 112 displays that the printing operation cannotbe performed on the operation panel 12 a (refer to FIG. 3), therebynotifying the operator.

In step S7, when the status information stored in the RFID tag 6 b (inthe status information column 18 a) received from the RFID control unit111 is “10”, the determining unit 116 determines that the administratorID is not registered, and the process proceeds to step S8. When thestatus information stored in the RFID tag 6 b (in the status informationcolumn 18 a) received from the RFID control unit 111 is “11”, thedetermining unit 116 determines that the administrator ID is registeredin the image drum cartridge 6 a, and the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S8, when the determining unit 116 determines that theadministrator ID is not registered in the image drum cartridge 6 a (stepS7, No), the print control unit 117 waits until the image drum cartridge6 a is detached from the printer 1. When the image drum cartridge 6 a isdetached from the printer 1, the sensor 14 detects that the image drumcartridge 6 a is detached from the printer 1, and notifies the printcontrol unit 117. When the image drum cartridge 6 a is detached from theprinter 1, the process is completed.

In step S9, when the determining unit 116 determines that theadministrator ID is registered in the image drum cartridge 6 a (step S7,Yes), the print control unit 117 waits until the image drum cartridge 6a is detached from the printer 1. In step S10, the print control unit117 waits until the administrator inputs the administrator ID throughthe operation panel 12 and the determining unit 116 allows the printcontrol unit 117 to perform the printing operation. When the image drumcartridge 6 a is detached from the printer 1, the process is completed.When the administrator ID is input, the operation control unit 112notifies the administrator ID thus input to the RFID control unit 111and the second comparison unit 114.

In step S11, when the administrator ID is input in step S10 (step S10,Yes), the RFID control unit 111 reads the administrator ID stored in theRFID tag 6 b (in the administrator ID column 18 d) through the RFIDreader writer 11, and transmits the administrator ID to the secondcomparison unit 114.

In step S12, the second comparison unit 114 compares the administratorID (in the administrator ID column 18 d) received from the RFID controlunit 111 with the administrator ID (input) received from the operationcontrol unit 112. Then, the second comparison unit 114 transmits thecomparison result to the determining unit 116. When the determining unit116 determines that the comparison result is matched, the processproceeds to step S13. When the determining unit 116 determines that thecomparison result is not matched, the process returns to step S9, sothat step S9 and step S10 are repeated.

In step S13, after step S3, or when the determining unit 116 determinesthat the comparison result is matched in step S5 or step S12, thedetermining unit 116 allows the print control unit 117 to perform theprinting operation.

An operation of the printer 1 when the administrator ID is registered inthe replacement component through the image forming apparatus accordingto the first embodiment will be explained next with reference to FIG. 8.FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the image formingapparatus when the administrator ID is registered in the replacementcomponent according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment, in the state that the image drum cartridge 6 a as thereplacement component is attached to the printer 1, when the operatorstarts the operation for registering the administrator ID, that is, theoperator pushes the operation button 12 b, the image processingapparatus 1A performs the following operation.

In step 14, the RFID control unit 111 reads the status informationstored in the status information column 18 a of the RFID tag 6 b, andtransmits the status information to the determining unit 116.

In step S15, the determining unit 116 determines whether the statusinformation stored (in the status information column 18 a) received fromthe RFID control unit 111 is “10”, so that the determining unit 116determines whether the administrator ID is registered in the image drumcartridge 6 a. When the determining unit 116 determines that theadministrator ID is not registered in the image drum cartridge 6 a, theprocess proceeds to step S16. When the determining unit 116 determinesthat the administrator ID is registered in the image drum cartridge 6 a,the process is completed. In this case, the operation control unit 112displays a message indicating “the administrator ID is registered” onthe operation panel 12 a.

In step S16, when the determining unit 116 determines that theadministrator ID is not registered in the image drum cartridge 6 a (stepS15, No), the operation control unit 112 transmits the administrator IDinput by the operator through the operation panel 12 to the RFID controlunit 111. In this case, the operation control unit 112 displays amessage indicating “Enter the administrator ID” on the operation panel12 a. Then, the RFID control unit 111 writes the administrator ID thusreceived in the administrator ID column 18 d of the RFID tag 6 b throughthe RFID reader writer 11. Further, the RFID control unit 111 updatesthe apparatus state in the status information column 18 a to “11”, andthe process is completed.

As described above, in the embodiment, the image forming apparatus isconfigured such that the replacement component can be used in only theimage forming apparatus to which the replacement component is attachedfirst. Further, with the administrator ID, it is possible to use thereplacement component in the image forming apparatus in which theadministrator ID is input and matched.

Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the replacement component frombeing used other apparatus, and to use the replacement component withinthe controlled range, thereby preventing inconvenience if thereplacement component cannot be used in all other apparatus. Further,the administrator can easily manage the usage frequency of thereplacement component.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be explained next. Inthe first embodiment, it is possible to administer per each imageforming apparatus as compared with a conventional image formingapparatus. When a plurality of image forming apparatus is utilized as agroup, however, it is necessary for the administrator to input theadministrator ID every time when the replacement component is attachedto another image forming apparatus of the group. Accordingly, it isdifficult for an ordinary operator to use the replacement componentwithin the group.

In the second embodiment, it is configured such that an identicalapparatus number is registered in the image forming apparatus of thegroup. Accordingly, it is possible for an ordinary operator to use thereplacement component within the group.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing functional components of the imageforming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a data configuration ofthe image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

In the following description, a data configuration of a storage unit 23will be explained first with reference to FIG. 10. Then, the functionalcomponents of the printer 1 as the image forming apparatus will beexplained with reference to FIG. 9. Components in the second embodimentsimilar to those in the first embodiment are designated with the samereference numerals, and only components in the second embodimentdifferent from those in the first embodiment will be explained.

As described above, FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the dataconfiguration of the storage unit 23. As shown in FIG. 10, the dataconfiguration of the storage unit 23 includes an apparatus number column19 a, and information similar to that in the first embodiment is storedin the apparatus number column 19 a. Further, the data configuration ofthe storage unit 23 includes a common group apparatus number column 19b, and apparatus numbers of the printers are stored in the common groupapparatus number column 19 b as other apparatus identificationinformation. It is possible to store a plurality of apparatus numbers ofthe printers in the common group apparatus number column 19 b.

As described above, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functionalcomponents of the printer 1 as the image forming apparatus according tothe second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, theprinter 1 includes a control unit 200. When a microprocessor of thecontrol unit 200 (not shown) executes a control program stored in thestorage unit 23, functions of units disposed in the control unit 200 arerealized.

In the following description, the units of the control unit 200 will beexplained in detail in cases that the image drum cartridge 6 a as thereplacement component is attached to the printer 1 as the image formingapparatus according to the second embodiment, and that the apparatusnumber of the image forming apparatus belonging to a same group isregistered in the image forming apparatus according to the secondembodiment.

In the embodiment, the control unit 200 includes a first comparison unit213. In the case that the image drum cartridge 6 a as the replacementcomponent is attached to the printer 1 as the image forming apparatusaccording to the second embodiment, the first comparison unit 213 isprovided for determining whether the image drum cartridge 6 a as thereplacement component is attached to the image forming apparatus inwhich the image drum cartridge 6 a is allowed to use. More specifically,the first comparison unit 213 is provided for comparing the apparatusnumber stored in the RFID tag 6 b (in the apparatus number column 18 c)received from the RFID control unit 111 with the apparatus number (inthe apparatus number column 19 a) and the common group apparatus number(in the common group apparatus number column 19 b) stored in the firstcomparison unit 213. Then, the first comparison unit 213 transmits acomparison result to the determining unit 116.

In the embodiment, when the apparatus number (in the apparatus numbercolumn 18 c) matches to one of the apparatus number (in the apparatusnumber column 19 a) and the common group apparatus number (in the commongroup apparatus number column 19 b), the comparison result of the firstcomparison unit 213 is transmitted as matched. Only when the apparatusnumber (in the apparatus number column 18 c) does not match to both ofthe apparatus number (in the apparatus number column 19 a) and thecommon group apparatus number (in the common group apparatus numbercolumn 19 b), the comparison result of the first comparison unit 213 istransmitted as not matched.

In the embodiment, the control unit 200 includes an operation controlunit 212. In the case that the apparatus number of the image formingapparatus belonging to the same group is registered in the image formingapparatus, the operation control unit 212 displays a screen forprompting the input of the apparatus number on the operation panel 12 a.When the administrator inputs the apparatus number of the image formingapparatus belonging to the same group, the operation control unit 212stores the apparatus number in the common group apparatus number column19 b of the storage unit 23.

In the case that the apparatus number of the image forming apparatusbelonging to the same group is registered in the image forming apparatusaccording to the second embodiment, it is necessary for theadministrator to register the apparatus number of the printer belongingto the same group in the printer 1 in advance. The operation ofregistering the apparatus number of the printer belonging to the samegroup in the printer 1 in advance corresponds to the function that theapparatus number of the image forming apparatus belonging to the samegroup is registered in the image forming apparatus according to thesecond embodiment.

In the embodiment, before the image drum cartridge 6 a as thereplacement component is attached to the printer 1, the administratorinputs the apparatus number of the printer belonging to the same groupinto the printer 1 through the operation panel 12. When theadministrator inputs the apparatus number, the operation control unit212 writes the apparatus number thus input into the common groupapparatus number column 19 b of the storage unit 23. Accordingly, theoperation of registering the apparatus number of the printer belongingto the same group in the printer 1 in advance is completed.

An operation of the printer 1 when a replacement component is attachedto the printer 1 will be explained next with reference to FIG. 11. FIG.11 is a flow chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatuswhen the replacement component is attached to the image formingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.In the following description, only a difference from the operation shownin FIG. 7 will be explained. More specifically, step S20 in the secondembodiment shown in FIG. 11 is different from step S5 in the firstembodiment shown in FIG. 7.

In step S20, the first comparison unit 213 compares the apparatus number(in the apparatus number column 18 c) received from the RFID controlunit 111 in step S4 with the apparatus number (in the apparatus numbercolumn 19 a) and the common group apparatus number (in the common groupapparatus number column 19 b) stored in the storage unit 23. Then, thefirst comparison unit 213 transmits the comparison result to thedetermining unit 116. As described above, when the apparatus number (inthe apparatus number column 18 c) matches to one of the apparatus number(in the apparatus number column 19 a) and the common group apparatusnumber (in the common group apparatus number column 19 b), thecomparison result of the first comparison unit 213 is transmitted asmatched. When the determining unit 116 determines that the comparisonresult is matched, the process proceeds to step S13. When thedetermining unit 116 determines that the comparison result is notmatched, the process proceeds to step S6.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in the secondembodiment, it is possible to register the apparatus number of the imageforming apparatus belonging to the same group. Accordingly, in additionto the effect in the first embodiment, it is possible for an ordinaryoperator to use the replacement component in the image forming apparatusin the same group without inputting the administrator ID. When theapparatus number is not registered, the image forming apparatus cannotbe used. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the replacementcomponent from being carried in from outside the group, or being carriedout of the group.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention will be explained next. Inthe second embodiment, it is necessary for the administrator to registerthe apparatus number of the image forming apparatus belonging to thesame group in advance. In the third embodiment, it is configured suchthat a group identification marker is attached to the image formingapparatus, so that the group identification marker is registered,instead of the apparatus number of the image forming apparatus belongingto the same group. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the step ofregistering a plurality of apparatus numbers.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing functional components of the imageforming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a data configuration ofthe image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a dataconfiguration of the RFID tag 6 b of the image forming apparatusaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, a data configuration of a storage unit 33and the data configuration of the RFID tag 6 b will be explained firstwith reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. Then, the functional components ofthe printer 1 as the image forming apparatus will be explained withreference to FIG. 12. Components in the third embodiment similar tothose in the first embodiment are designated with the same referencenumerals, and only components in the third embodiment different fromthose in the first embodiment will be explained.

As described above, FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the dataconfiguration of the storage unit 33. As shown in FIG. 13, the dataconfiguration of the storage unit 33 includes the apparatus numbercolumn 19 a, and information similar to that in the first embodiment isstored in the apparatus number column 19 a. Further, the dataconfiguration of the storage unit 23 includes a group identificationmark column 19 c, and the group identification mark of a group to whichthe printer 1 belongs is stored in the group identification mark column19 c as self group identification information. It is possible to use aserial number input by the administrator as the group identificationmark in the group identification mark column 19 c. It is noted that asame group identification mark is assigned to the image formingapparatus belonging to a same group.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a data configuration of the RFID tag6 b. As shown in FIG. 14, the data configuration of the RFID tag 6 bincludes the status information column 18 a, the unit number column 18b, the apparatus number column 18 c, and the administrator ID column 18d. In the embodiment, information similar to that in the firstembodiment is stored in the status information column 18 a, the unitnumber column 18 b, the apparatus number column 18 c, and theadministrator ID column 18 d.

In the embodiment, the RFID tag 6 b further includes a group informationcolumn 18 e for storing group information of the printer 1, and a groupidentification mark column 18 f. The group information in the groupinformation column 18 e is assigned with “0” or “1”. More specifically,when the group identification mark is not registered in the groupidentification mark column 18 f, the group information in the groupinformation column 18 e is assigned with “0”. When the groupidentification mark is registered in the group identification markcolumn 18 f, the group information in the group information column 18 eis assigned with “1”.

In the embodiment, the group identification mark column 18 f is providedfor storing the group identification mark as the group identificationinformation of the group to which the printer 1 belongs. The groupidentification mark in the group identification mark column 18 f has adata format the same as that of the group identification mark stored inthe group identification mark column 19 c of the storage unit 33.

As described above, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functionalcomponents of the printer 1 as the image forming apparatus according tothe third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, theprinter 1 includes a control unit 300. When a microprocessor of thecontrol unit 300 (not shown) executes a control program stored in thestorage unit 33, functions of units disposed in the control unit 300 arerealized.

In the following description, the units of the control unit 300 will beexplained in detail in cases that the image drum cartridge 6 a as thereplacement component is attached to the printer 1 as the image formingapparatus according to the third embodiment, and that the groupidentification mark is registered in the image forming apparatusaccording to the third embodiment or the replacement component.

In the embodiment, the control unit 300 includes an RFID control unit311, a third comparison unit 315 and a determining unit 316. In additionto the function of the RFID control unit 111 in the first embodiment,when it is determined whether the group identification mark isidentical, the RFID control unit 311 is provided for transmitting thegroup information in the group information column 18 e to thedetermining unit 316, and transmitting the group identification mark inthe group identification mark column 18 f to the third comparison unit315.

In the embodiment, the third comparison unit 315 is provided fordetermining whether the image drum cartridge 6 a as the replacementcomponent is attached to the image forming apparatus in the group inwhich the image drum cartridge 6 a is allowed to use. More specifically,the third comparison unit 315 is provided for comparing the groupidentification mark stored in the RFID tag 6 b (in the groupidentification mark column 18 f) received from the RFID control unit 311with the group identification mark stored in the storage unit 33 (in thegroup identification mark column 19 c). Then, the third comparison unit315 transmits a comparison result to the determining unit 316.

In the embodiment, in addition to the function of the determining unit116 in the first embodiment, the determining unit 316 is provided fordetermining whether the print control unit 117 is allowed to perform theprinting operation according to the comparison result of the thirdcomparison unit 315. Then, the determining unit 316 transmits adetermination result to the print control unit 117.

More specifically, when the status information stored in the RFID tag 6b (in the status information column 18 a) is “00” or “11”, thecomparison result received from the first comparison unit 113 is notmatched, and the comparison result received from the third comparisonunit 315 is matched, the determining unit 116 allows the print controlunit 117 to perform the printing operation. Otherwise, the determiningunit 116 does not allow the print control unit 117 to perform theprinting operation.

In the embodiment, the control unit 300 includes an operation controlunit 312. The operation control unit 312 is provided for displaying ascreen for prompting the input of the group identification mark on theoperation panel 12 a. When the administrator inputs the groupidentification mark, the operation control unit 312 stores the groupidentification mark in the group identification mark column 19 c of thestorage unit 33 and in the group identification mark column 18 f of theRFID tag 6 b. Further, the operation control unit 312 is provided forstoring “1” in the group information column 18 e.

In the case that the group identification mark is registered in theimage forming apparatus according to the third embodiment or thereplacement component, it is necessary for the administrator to registerthe group identification mark in the printer 1 or the replacementcomponent in advance. The operation of registering the groupidentification mark in the printer 1 or the replacement component inadvance corresponds to the function that the group identification markis registered in the image forming apparatus according to the secondembodiment or the replacement component.

In the embodiment, before the image drum cartridge 6 a as thereplacement component is attached to the printer 1, the administratorinputs the group identification mark of the group of the printer 1 intothe printer 1 through the operation panel 12. When the administratorinputs the group identification mark, the operation control unit 312writes the group identification mark thus input into the groupidentification mark column 19 c of the storage unit 33.

Further, in the state that the image drum cartridge 6 a is attached tothe printer 1, the administrator inputs the group identification mark ofthe group in which the image drum cartridge 6 a can be used into theimage drum cartridge 6 a through the operation panel 12. When theadministrator inputs the group identification mark, the operationcontrol unit 312 writes the group identification mark thus input intothe group identification mark column 18 f of the RFID tag 6 b. Further,the operation control unit 312 writes “1” into the group informationcolumn 18 e. Accordingly, the operation of registering the groupidentification mark in advance is completed.

An operation of the printer 1 when the replacement component is attachedto the printer 1 will be explained next with reference to FIG. 15. FIG.15 is a flow chart showing the operation of the image forming apparatuswhen the replacement component is attached to the image formingapparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Inthe following description, only a difference from the operation shown inFIG. 7 will be explained. More specifically, step S21 and step S22 inthe third embodiment shown in FIG. 15 are different from the firstembodiment shown in FIG. 7.

In step S21, when the determining unit 316 determines that thecomparison result is not matched (step S5, No), the RFID control unit311 retrieves the group information stored in the RFID tag 6 b (in thegroup information column 18 e), and transmits the group information tothe determining unit 316. When the group information (in the groupinformation column 18 e) is “1”, the determining unit 316 determinesthat the group identification mark is registered in the image drumcartridge 6 a, and the process proceeds to step S22. When the groupinformation (in the group information column 18 e) is “0”, thedetermining unit 316 determines that the group identification mark isnot registered in the image drum cartridge 6 a, and the process proceedsto step S6.

In step S22, when the determining unit 316 determines that thecomparison result is registered (step S21, Yes), the RFID control unit311 retrieves the group identification mark stored in the RFID tag 6 b(in the group identification mark column 18 f), and transmits the groupidentification mark to the third comparison unit 315. When the thirdcomparison unit 315 receives the group identification mark, the thirdcomparison unit 315 compares the group identification mark (in the groupidentification mark column 18 f) received from the RFID control unit 311with the group identification mark stored in the storage unit 33 (in thegroup identification mark column 19 c). Then, the third comparison unit315 transmits a comparison result to the determining unit 316. When thedetermining unit 316 determines that the comparison result is matched,the process proceeds to step S13. When the determining unit 316determines that the comparison result is not matched, the processproceeds to step S6.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in the thirdembodiment, it is possible to register the group identification mark.Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the effect the same as that in thesecond embodiment with a storage capacity smaller than that of the imageforming apparatus in the second embodiment.

Modified Example

In the first to third embodiments described above, the printer 1 isexplained as the image forming apparatus, and the present invention isnot limited thereto. The present invention may be applicable to an imageforming apparatus such as a facsimile, a copier, a scanner, and a multifunction peripheral or product (MFP) having a printer unit and ascanning unit.

Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the casethat the image drum cartridge 6 a (refer to FIG. 2) is attached to theprinter 1 as the replacement component is explained, and the presentinvention is not limited thereto. FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing amodified example of the replacement component according to the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 16, for example, when the fixing unit 7 is configuredto be exchangeable, it is possible to apply the embodiments to thefixing unit 7 as the replacement component. Further, when the tonerstorage portion 6 c of the image drum cartridge 6 a is configured to bea toner cartridge 15 and exchangeable, it is possible to apply theembodiments to the toner cartridge 15 as the replacement component.Further, when a belt unit 16 is configured to be exchangeable, it ispossible to apply the embodiments to the belt unit 16 as the replacementcomponent. Still further, the photosensitive drum can be the replacementcomponent.

When the printer 1 is an ink jet printer, an ink cartridge can be thereplacement component. When the image forming apparatus is a copier,various types of components can be the replacement component. In otherwords, when components of the image forming apparatus are exchangeable,it is possible to apply the embodiments to the components as thereplacement component. In this case, the RFID tag 6 b is attached to theexchangeable component, and the RFID reader writer 11 is disposed withina range capable of communicating with the RFID tag 6 b.

When a plurality of replacement components is disposed in one imageforming apparatus, it may be configured such that the RFID tag 6 b isattached to each of the replacement components, and the RFID readerwriter 11 communicates with the replacement components. In this case,information of each of the replacement components is stored in thestorage unit 13, the storage unit 23, or the storage unit 33.Accordingly, the control unit 100, the control unit 200, or the controlunit 300 is able to determine whether the printing operation isperformed according to the information of each of the replacementcomponents. In this case, an anti-collision technology such as a timeslot method may be applied, so that the RFID reader writer 11 is able toread the RFID tag 6 b attached to each of the replacement components.

Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, theoperation panel 12 includes the operation button 12 b as shown in FIG.3, so that the administrator can input the administrator ID and the likethrough the operation button 12 b. The present invention is not limitedthereto. For example, a reading device may be disposed on the operationpanel 12 of the printer 1 for reading a magnetic card, a non-contactcommunication card, and the like, thereby reading data inside the card.As far as the image forming apparatus is provided with a device forinputting information, various devices may be applicable instead of theoperation button 12 b.

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-269757, filed onNov. 27, 2009, is incorporated in the application.

While the invention has been explained with reference to the specificembodiments of the invention, the explanation is illustrative and theinvention is limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus capable of using areplacement component, comprising: a storage unit for storing selfapparatus identification information; an obtaining unit for obtainingcomponent apparatus identification information and componentadministrator identification information registered in a data carrierdisposed in the replacement component; an input unit for inputting selfadministrator identification information; a control unit including afirst comparing unit for comparing the self apparatus identificationinformation stored in the storage unit with the component apparatusidentification information obtained with the obtaining unit, saidcontrol unit further including a second comparing unit for comparing theself administrator identification information input through the inputunit with the component administrator identification informationobtained with the obtaining unit; and a determining unit for determiningthat the replacement component is allowed to use when the self apparatusidentification information matches the component apparatusidentification information, wherein said control unit is configured towrite the self apparatus identification information in the data carrieras the component apparatus identification information when thereplacement component is attached to the image processing apparatus,said determining unit is configured to determine that the replacementcomponent is allowed to use when the component apparatus identificationinformation is not registered in the data carrier, said determining unitis configured to determine that the replacement component is not allowedto use when the self apparatus identification information does not matchthe component apparatus identification information, said control unit isconfigured to make the self administrator identification information beinput through the input unit when the self apparatus identificationinformation does not match the component apparatus identificationinformation, and the component administrator identification informationis registered in the data carrier, and said determining unit isconfigured to determine that the replacement component is allowed to usewhen the self administrator identification information is input throughthe input unit, and the self administrator identification informationmatches the component administrator identification information.
 2. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saiddetermining unit is arranged to determine that the replacement componentis allowed to use when the self administrator identification informationmatches the component administrator identification information eventhough the self apparatus identification information does not match thecomponent apparatus identification information, and to determine thatthe replacement component is not allowed to use in other cases.
 3. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said storageunit is arranged to store other apparatus identification information,said first comparing unit being arranged to compare the self apparatusidentification information or the other apparatus identificationinformation with the component apparatus identification information,said determining unit being arranged to determine that the replacementcomponent is allowed to use when the self apparatus identificationinformation or the other apparatus identification information matchesthe component apparatus identification information, to determine thatthe replacement component is allowed to use when the self administratoridentification information matches the component administratoridentification information even though the self apparatus identificationinformation or the other apparatus identification information does notmatch the component apparatus identification information, and todetermine that the replacement component is not allowed to use in othercases.
 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, whereinsaid storage unit is arranged to store self group identificationinformation, said obtaining unit being arranged to obtain componentgroup identification information registered in the data carrier, saidcontrol unit including a third comparing unit for comparing the selfgroup identification information with the component group identificationinformation, said determining unit being arranged to determine that thereplacement component is allowed to use when the self groupidentification information matches the component group identificationinformation even though the self apparatus identification information orthe other apparatus identification information does not match thecomponent apparatus identification information, to determine that thereplacement component is allowed to use when the self administratoridentification information matches the component administratoridentification information even though the self group identificationinformation does not match the component group identificationinformation and the self apparatus identification information or theother apparatus identification information does not match the componentapparatus identification information, and to determine that thereplacement component is not allowed to use in other cases.
 5. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said obtaining unitis arranged to obtain the component apparatus identification informationregistered in the data carrier in a non-contact way.
 6. An image formingapparatus comprising the image processing apparatus according to claim1, the replacement component, and an image forming unit for forming animage on a medium when the determining unit determines that thereplacement component is allowed to use.
 7. A method of using areplacement component of an image processing apparatus to be executedwith a control unit of the image processing apparatus capable of usingthe replacement component, comprising the steps of: storing selfapparatus identification information in a storage unit; obtainingcomponent apparatus identification information and componentadministrator identification information registered in a data carrierdisposed in the replacement component using an obtaining unit; inputtingself administrator identification information into an input unit;comparing the self apparatus identification information stored in thestorage unit with the component apparatus identification informationobtained with the obtaining unit; comparing the self administratoridentification information input through the input unit with thecomponent administrator identification information obtained with theobtaining unit; writing the self apparatus identification information inthe data carrier as the component apparatus identification informationwhen the replacement component is attached to the image processingapparatus; determining that the replacement component is allowed to usewhen the self apparatus identification information matches the componentapparatus identification information; determining that the replacementcomponent is allowed to use when the component apparatus identificationinformation is not registered in the data carrier; determining that thereplacement component is not allowed to use when the self apparatusidentification information does not match the component apparatusidentification information; making the self administrator identificationinformation be input through the input unit when the self apparatusidentification information does not match the component apparatusidentification information, and the component administratoridentification information is registered in the data carrier; anddetermining that the replacement component is allowed to use when theself administrator identification information is input through the inputunit, and the self administrator identification information matches thecomponent administrator identification information.
 8. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said determining unitis configured to determine that the replacement component is allowed touse in other image processing apparatus when the component apparatusidentification information is not registered in the data carrier.
 9. Theimage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saiddetermining unit is configured to write the self apparatusidentification information as the component apparatus identificationinformation when the component apparatus identification information isnot registered in the data carrier.
 10. The image processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said storage unit is configured to storethe self apparatus identification information as first specificinformation of the image processing apparatus, and said obtaining unitis configured to obtain the component apparatus identificationinformation as second specific information of the image processingapparatus.
 11. The method of using the replacement component accordingto claim 7, further comprising the step of determining that thereplacement component is allowed to use in other image processingapparatus when the component apparatus identification information is notregistered in the data carrier.
 12. The method of using the replacementcomponent according to claim 7, further comprising the step of writingthe self apparatus identification information as the component apparatusidentification information when the component apparatus identificationinformation is not registered in the data carrier.
 13. The method ofusing the replacement component according to claim 7, wherein, in thestep of storing the self apparatus identification information, said selfapparatus identification information is stored as first specificinformation of the image processing apparatus, and in the step ofobtaining the component apparatus identification information, saidcomponent apparatus identification information is obtained as secondspecific information of the image processing apparatus.
 14. The imageprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control unit isconfigured to write the self apparatus identification information in thedata carrier as the component apparatus identification information whenthe component apparatus identification information is not stored in thedata carrier.
 15. The method of using the replacement componentaccording to claim 7, wherein, in the step of writing the self apparatusidentification information in the data carrier, said self apparatusidentification information is written in the data carrier as thecomponent apparatus identification information when the componentapparatus identification information is not stored in the data carrier.